holly phillips. >> good morning. in today's "health watch," is it cold or flu? now that fall is here and winter is peeking around the corner, the season is in full swing. when your symptoms start, it's important to know whether it's the common cold or the more serious illness influenza also known as the flu. your symptoms will give you the answer. the common cold usually starts with a sore throat lasting one or two days followed by a runny nose and congestion along with cough by the fourth and fifth day. it's worth taking out your thermometer. the common cold rarely causes a fever higher than 101. the flu tends to come on suddenly and like a mack truck. muscle aches, fatigue and soreness are the common signs. fooefers from 101 up to 103 in children. the flu lingers for ten days or so. if you think you've got the flu, see your doctor. antiviral medication can shorten the illness if started right away. complications such as pneumonia and bron kai tris are treated most easily when caught early. keep these things in mind for the perfect cold and flu iq. wash your ha